Test Equipment Modernisation & Retrofit Service | AML Instruments

Test Equipment Modernisation & Retrofit Service

Test machine broken down again? Perhaps it keeps producing wildly inaccurate results? Or is your equipment simply outdated, limited, and not fit for purpose? AML Instruments provide a test machine modernisation and retrofit service for all brands and manufacturers of test machines, offering you a cost-effective option compared to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) doing this type of work.

This can be rolled out on many different types of equipment, including Universal Testing Machines (UTMs), Servo-Hydraulic Testing Machines, Horizontal and Vertical Tensile Test Machines, and any Custom-Built UTMs. Don’t count out older machines either. Providing the machine structure is in suitable condition, they’re excellent candidates for an overhaul.

Upgrading your testing machine is not a temporary measure, but often a sound technical and strategic decision, as well as a sustainable one. Where possible, our retrofitting solutions prioritise using energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials to reduce waste and conserve the energy and resources required to manufacture new test machines.

But how does our test equipment upgrade service work, and is your machine even suitable for modernisation?

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Diagnostic assessment and technical inspection

Forget guesswork and video calls. Retrofitting a test machine starts with a thorough, no-obligation assessment from one of our experts, who will come to your site and take a good look at the machine’s electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and software condition.

They can then establish if the machine is fit for retrofitting by identifying which components can be retained, replaced, or upgraded. It’s at this stage where we define the required performance, operating constraints, and modifications necessary to ensure your equipment meets your current testing requirements.

Testing machine upgrades

Our modernisation service is more than just saving your investment. Our primary objective is always to improve your testing machine’s accuracy, performance, reliability, safety, and range of applications. This all comes together to extend your equipment’s lifespan and save you from shelling out for a new test instrument. While this isn’t always possible, we will always do our best to find a way a way to revive existing equipment without replacing the entire machine.

Depending on the condition of your equipment, your test machine modernisation may include replaced or upgraded:

  • Control systems.
  • Data acquisition systems.
  • Electronics.
  • Grips and fixtures.
  • Guard and safety devices.
  • Hydraulic components or systems.
  • Sensors.
  • Supports and accessories.
  • Test control software.

We won’t ever replace or upgrade any functional elements that can be retained, unless they limit the performance of the upgraded system.

What can I expect from my upgraded test machine?

Once we’ve transformed your machine, we want you to feel the same feelings you experience when a new test instrument lands in your lab or working environment. Curiosity, excitement, high anticipation, and in the case of a retrofit, you’ll understandably have some doubts that your machine will return to its former glory.

But we’ve been doing this a long time, so don’t worry — you’re in safe hands. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Fully up-to-date software designed to meet current testing demands and able to perform complex test cycles.
  • Improved test accuracy and increased precision and repeatability of tests.
  • Integration of new sensors, test cycles, extensometers, etc.
  • Reduced downtime.
  • The ability to carry our new types of testing or test cycle.
  • And most importantly, a machine that will serve you for many years to come.

Is my test machine even in need of modernisation?

It’s always a tricky decision deciding if you would be better to get your machine updated or to just buy a new one. If you’re in two minds, it’s worth having a chat with a member of our team to see if a free technical consultation of your testing machine makes sense.

Spot any of the signs below? If so, it might be time for a retrofit :

  • Machine keeps producing inconsistent data.
  • Incompatibility with current regulations, which could compromise the validity of your tests. For example, standards such as ISO 6892-1 (tensile tests) are frequently updated.
  • It’s more costly to run the machine than upgrade it. This could be down to recurring breakdowns, difficulty in finding spare parts, etc.
  • Your equipment has functional limitations. For instance, not supporting automatic cycles.
  • Your control system is obsolete. This makes maintenance, staff training and integration with modern tools difficult.
  • You need to carry out new types of testing or test cycles.
  • You need to add instrumentation.
  • Certain spare parts are no longer available.

A test machine that’s retrofit for purpose

We understand your frustrations when your test equipment isn’t behaving as it should.

AML Instruments have a track record of maximising the performance of materials testing systems from the biggest names in the field. Think the likes of Instron, Zwick Roell, MTS, Lloyds, Shimadzu, Testometric, Tinius Olsen, 3R Industries,  and AJT Equipment.

Once we’ve breathed new life into your test machine, we won’t just disappear. We provide comprehensive after-sales support, preventive maintenance tips, and if required, team training on your fresh-faced apparatus.

Ready for a retrofit?

Contact us to book a free onsite consultation and discover how we can bring your testing machine back to life, so it mirrors its original operating condition and peak performance.

We’re here to help

Let us help you